Randhawa bounces back in style

NEW DELHI, Feb 5: Even as the star attractions of the 750,000 Benson amp; Hedges Malaysian Open fell to the venomous bite of the Cobra8217;, nickname of the Saujana Golf amp; Country Club Course, Jyoti Randhawa made a superb comeback to become the only Indian to make the cut, according to information received here.

American Gerry Norquist was in devastating form as he completed his second successive five-under 67 to lead at 10-under 134. The star attractions of the tournament, Europe8217;s number two and three Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood and Jeev Milkha Singh and Asia8217;s number one Kang Wook-soon were some of the major names who missed the cut which was applied at three-over 147.

Randhawa, who was one-over after 12 holes when the first round was suspended, made a bogey on the 14th. He got a hold of his game, scoring three birdies in the last four holes to finish the first round at one-under 71.

In the second, he missed four birdie putts in the 7-10 feet range, but none was more agonising than the one on the 9thhis last where he failed to sink a three-footer.

Jeev, who was hitting the ball extremely well as demonstrated by his 16 regulations, blamed his putting as he three-putted thrice in a three-over 75 card which took his tally to seven-over 151.

Scores Indians: 143 Jyoti Randhawa 71, 72; 151 Jeev Milkha Singh 76, 75, 153 Vivek Bhandari 76, 77.